Paper Published: Catalytic Depolymerization of Lignin in Supercritical Ethanol (ChemSusChem 8/2014)

Authors:

Xiaoming Huang, Dr. Tamas I. Koranyi, Dr. Michael D. Boot, Prof. Dr. Emiel J. M Hensen

Abstract:

The Front Cover image shows a single-step process that effectively depolymerizes lignin in supercritical ethanol using an inexpensive CuMgAlOx catalyst. Ethanol not only acts as a hydrogen-donor solvent but also as a capping agent, which can stabilize the highly reactive phenolic intermediates either by O-alkylation of hydroxyl groups or by C-alkylation of the aromatic rings, thus essentially inhibiting repolymerization reactions. High monomer yield can be obtained without char formation. The monomeric products can be used as fuel additives or chemicals.

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